It is not a mystery that the Chicago food scene is strongly influenced by European culinary traditions. But the real question is: does Italian food in Chicago meet the original standards? Time to find out. In this article, we will investigate classic pizzas and elegant dish proposals for a perfect romantic dinner. Let’s dig in!
Best traditional pizza imaginable
Some say that one should visit Naples to taste a real-deal pizza. Others claim such a dish is available in Elmwood Park, Illinois. That’s western Chicago territory, approximately 5 miles from Little Italy. Is pizza in elmwood park really that good to compete with the original from Naples? It most certainly is. Here’s why.
You see, the size matters. And we don’t mean jumbo-jet pizzas that can feed a whole family. Classic Italian pizza is relatively small. It is intended as a single-person meal, and that’s how they serve it back in the Old Continent. Furthermore, original Naples-style pizza is not too complicated. Quality dough—always!—a simple composition of toppings, some olive oil, and that’s basically it. Oh, there is one more thing: a wood-fired oven.
Combine the above, and you will get an original Italian pizza in Chicago. Classic margarita with basil? Or maybe you’d prefer a generous pepperoni with a pesto sauce? And that smoky, deep aftertaste no electrical oven can deliver… This is indeed what a real-deal pizza is known for, and it’s available right there in Elmwood Park. No point going to Naples anymore!
Elegant Italian food for a romantic dinner
Going to Rome has no point, either. That’s because the blue fire menu is filled with elegant dishes, providing a luxurious taste of Italy to the residents of Chicago. A lobster ravioli, seafood linguine infused with squid ink, risotto with porcini and button mushrooms. Sounds sublime, doesn’t it? Add a glass of quality white wine, and there’s nothing else to wish for. Except for the desert, of course.
Homemade tiramisu is always a good idea. Alongside wine and that juicy lobster ravioli, it will make a perfect Italian-style romantic dinner menu. But before you start, a bruschetta appetizer is a must. Just like in the case of traditional pizza, ingredients and attention to details play a crucial role in the creation of a perfect bruschetta appetizer in Chicago. That’s why it tastes so good, but not as good as that pasta seafood dish or risotto. Luciano Pavarotti himself would have been impressed, that’s for sure. So why should anyone else complain?
Source: FG Newswire